Telegram blockade in Russia may hinder air defence operations

Restrictions on the Telegram messaging service could negatively impact the effectiveness of Russian air defence units tasked with countering Ukrainian drone attacks, according to Russian military Telegram channels.

Sources report that Telegram served as a primary communication channel for mobile air defence teams protecting rear regions from long-range drones. Slower service could complicate coordination between units.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov previously stated that Russian authorities are limiting access to the platform to push users toward state-controlled alternatives, citing censorship and communication control.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that any potential impact on military operations should be addressed to the Defence Ministry, while noting it is “hard to imagine” that frontline communications rely entirely on Telegram or any single messenger.

On February 10, Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor confirmed plans to gradually slow Telegram’s service for violating national law. On February 11, a Moscow court fined the messenger $140,000.

By Jeyhun Aghazada